Use the 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V in conjunction with both the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 or the Attest™ Auto-reader 490H having software version 4.0.0 or greater to qualify or monitor dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles of: - 3 minutes at 270°F (132°C) - 4 minutes at 270°F (132°C) - 3 minutes at 275°F (135°C)
Device Story
System consists of 3M Attest 1492V biological indicator (BI) and 490/490H auto-readers. BI is a single-use polycarbonate sleeve containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores and media ampoule. After sterilization, BI is placed in auto-reader; reader incubates at 60°C and monitors for fluorescence using UV LED, optical filters, and photodiode. Fluorescence indicates sterilization failure. Auto-reader provides visual/audible alerts and stores 100 most recent results. Used in clinical settings to verify steam sterilization efficacy. Software version 4.0.0+ enables 24-minute rapid readout. Benefits include rapid confirmation of sterilization cycle performance, allowing faster release of sterilized instruments.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data included. Bench testing only. Performance verified against ISO 11138-1:2017 and ISO 11138-3:2017 standards. Testing confirmed >97% alignment with 7-day conventional incubation, successful positive controls, kill/survival time windows, D-value requirements, and maintenance of 60°C incubation temperature.
Technological Characteristics
Polycarbonate sleeve BI with polypropylene carrier; Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. Sensing via UV LED, optical filters, and photodiode. Energy source: 100-240V AC. Connectivity: Ethernet for remote status viewing. Software version 4.0.0+; incubation at 60 ± 2°C. Safety compliance: IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-010.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare personnel to qualify or monitor dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles at 132°C and 135°C using the 3M Attest 1492V biological indicator and 490/490H auto-readers.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Biological sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor adequacy of sterilization. The device consists of a known number of microorganisms, of known resistance to the mode of sterilization, in or on a carrier and enclosed in a protective package. Subsequent growth or failure of the microorganisms to grow under suitable conditions indicates the adequacy of sterilization. Physical/chemical sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor one or more parameters of the sterilization process. The adequacy of the sterilization conditions as measured by these parameters is indicated by a visible change in the device.
Predicate Devices
3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V and 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 (K121484)
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of the department's name encircling a stylized symbol. The symbol features three abstract human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other. The profiles are rendered in a dark color, contrasting with the white background.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 19, 2018
3M Health Care Ms. Hilary B. Hovde Regulatory Affairs Associate 3M Center, Bldg. 275-5W-06 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
Re: K173437
Trade/Device Name: 3MTM Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490H Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2800 Biological Sterilization Process Indicator Regulation Name: Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FRC Dated: February 12, 2018 Received: February 14, 2018
Dear Hilary B. Hovde:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply
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with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Michael J. Ryan -S
for Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K173437
Device Name
3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V, 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490, and 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490H
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Use the 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V in conjunction with both the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 or the Attest™ Auto-reader 490H having software version 4.0.0 or greater to qualify or monitor dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles of:
- · 3 minutes at 270°F (132°C)
- · 4 minutes at 270°F (132°C)
- · 3 minutes at 275°F (135°C)
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|X | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the 3M logo. The logo is in red and features the number 3 followed by the letter M. The number 3 is larger than the letter M. The logo is simple and recognizable.
# 510(k) Summary for 3MTM Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V, 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490, and 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490H
3M Health Care 3M Center, Bldg. 275-5W-06 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
> Contact: Hilary B. Hovde Regulatory Affairs Associate Phone Number: (651) 736-0364 FAX Number: (651) 737-5320
Submission Date: March 16, 2018
K173437
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#### Device Name and Classification:
| Common or Usual Name: | Biological Indicator |
|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Proprietary Name: | 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V<br>3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490<br>3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490H |
| Classification Name: | Indicator, Biological Sterilization Process<br>(21 CFR § 880.2800(a)) |
| Device Classification: | Class II |
| Product Code: | FRC |
## Predicate Device:
- 3MTM Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V and 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490, K121484
#### Reference Device:
- 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490H, K171003 . (490 Auto-reader will be shown to be identical to the 490H Auto-reader)
## Indications for Use
Use the 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V in conjunction with both the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 or the Attest™ Auto-reader 490H having software version 4.0.0 or greater to qualify or monitor dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles of:
- 3 minutes at 270°F (132°C) .
- 4 minutes at 270°F (132°C) ●
- 3 minutes at 275°F (135°C) .
## Description of Device:
The 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V is a self-contained biological indicator (BI) specifically designed to be used with the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 or the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490H (software version 4.0.0 or greater) to qualify or routinely challenge dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles at 132°C and 135°C.
The 1492V BI is a single-use device composed of a polycarbonate sleeve containing a spore carrier and media ampoule, enclosed with a cap. On each 1492V BI cap is a chemical process indicator that changes color from pink to light brown or darker when exposed to steam. The detection of fluorescence upon incubation of the 1492V BI in the 490 Auto-reader or the 490H Auto-reader (software version 4.0.0 or greater) indicates a sterilization failure.
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## Nonclinical Comparison to the Predicate Device
This submission is addressing an expansion to the indications for use to include qualifying or monitoring dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles of 3 minutes at 270°F (132°C), a software change to the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 to reduce the final fluorescent readout for the 1492V BI from 1 hour to 24 minutes, and to change the incubation temperature from 56°C to 60°C. The Model 490 Auto-reader is now identical to the Model 490H Auto-reader (software version 4.0.0 or greater) as it incubates at the same temperature and uses the same software. The 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V is the same design as the previously cleared device of the same model number. The device has the same materials and fundamental scientific technology.
#### Summary of Nonclinical Testing
Testing was conducted on the biological indicator following the FDA guidance and the standards below:
- . Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, Biological Indicator Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions, October 4, 2007
- . ISO 11138-1:2017 Sterilization of health care products – Biological indicators, Part 1: General Requirements
- ISO 11138-3:2017 Sterilization of health care products Biological indicators, Part 3: ● Biological indicators for moist heat sterilization processes
- ANSI/AAMI/ISO 18472:2006 (R)2015 Sterilization of Health Care Products ● Biological and Chemical Indicators: Test Equipment
- United States Pharmacopeia, Chapter <1035> Biological Indicators for Sterilization and Chapter <55> Biological Indicators - Resistance Performance Tests
The effectiveness of the 3M™ Super Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V in conjunction with the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 with a final fluorescent readout of 24 minutes and an incubation temperature of 60°C (i.e., identical to the Model 490H Auto-reader having software version 4.0.0 or greater) is demonstrated in the following tests:
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| Test | Results |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| Positive Control | Passed |
| Survival Time = Calculated survival time* or 1 minute at 132°C and 40 seconds at 135°C, whichever is longer | Passed<br>132°C ≥ 2.07 minutes<br>135°C ≥ 1.82 minutes |
| Kill Time = Calculated kill time* at 132°C and at 135°C<br>* ISO 11138-1:2017, Annex E | Passed<br>132°C ≤ 5.07 minutes<br>135°C ≤ 4.45 minutes |
| Reduced Incubation Time<br>Meets FDA's requirements for Reduced Incubation Time with > 97% alignment with the conventional incubation time of 7 days for the following readout times:<br>• Fluorescent result in 24 minutes<br>• Optional visual pH color change result in 48 hours | Passed |
| D-Value<br>Greater than or equal to 10 seconds at 132°C<br>Greater than or equal to 8 seconds at 135°C | Passed<br>D132°C ≥ 24 seconds<br>D135°C ≥ 21 seconds |
| Population (Total Viable Spore Count)<br>Greater than or equal to 106 spores | Passed |
| Component Inhibition Studies<br>Components have no impact on the recovery of 10-100 organisms | Passed |
| Hold Time Assessment<br>D-value does not change when activated 7 days post sterilization | Passed |
| Simulated Use<br>Verification of performance in claimed cycles | Passed |
| Auto-reader Maintenance of Incubation Temperature<br>Maintain 60 ± 2°C over a period of 7 days | Passed |
The results of these evaluations showed that the 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1492V, when used with the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 or Attest™ Auto-reader 490H having software version 4.0.0 or greater, complies with ISO 11138-1:2017 and ISO 11138-3:2017, the USP requirements for biological indicators, as well as the FDA's Guidance for Biological Indicators.
The Attest™ Auto-readers were tested for safety by Underwriters Laboratory to verify compliance to:
- IEC 61010-1 (2010) 3rd Edition; Safety requirements for electrical equipment for . measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements, and
- IEC 61010-2-010 (2014) 3rd Edition; Safety requirements for electrical equipment for . measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 2-010: Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials
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# Summary of Clinical Testing
No clinical data was included in this premarket application submission.
| | Submission Device: | Predicate Device<br>(K121484): | Reference Device<br>(K171003): |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Feature | 3MTM AttestTM<br>Super Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator<br>1492V and<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-<br>reader 490 and 490H | 3MTM AttestTM<br>Super Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator<br>1492V and<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-<br>reader 490 | 3MTM AttestTM<br>Auto-reader 490H |
| Indications for use | Use the 3MTM AttestTM<br>Super Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator<br>1492V in conjunction<br>with both the 3MTM<br>AttestTM Auto-reader 490<br>or the AttestTM Auto-<br>reader 490H having<br>software version 4.0.0 or<br>greater to qualify or<br>monitor dynamic-air-<br>removal steam<br>sterilization cycles of:<br>• 3 minutes at<br>270°F (132°C)<br>• 4 minutes at<br>270°F (132°C)<br>• 3 minutes at<br>275°F (135°C) | Use the 3MTM AttestTM<br>Super Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator<br>1492V in conjunction<br>with the 3MTM AttestTM<br>Auto-reader 490 to<br>qualify or monitor<br>dynamic-air-removal<br>(pre-vacuum) steam<br>sterilization cycles of 4<br>minutes at 270°F (132°C)<br>and 3 minutes at 275°F<br>(135°C).<br>The 3MTM AttestTM Super<br>Rapid Readout Biological<br>Indicator 1492V provides<br>a final fluorescent result<br>in 1 hour. An optional<br>visual pH color change<br>result is observed in 48<br>hours. | Use the 3MTM AttestTM Rapid<br>Readout Biological Indicator<br>1295 in conjunction with the<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-reader<br>490H* as a standard method of<br>routine monitoring of vaporized<br>hydrogen peroxide sterilization<br>processes in the Amsco® V-<br>PRO® maX Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System (Lumen,<br>Non Lumen, and Flexible<br>cycles), and in STERRAD®<br>100S, STERRAD® NX®<br>(Standard and Advanced<br>cycles) and STERRAD®<br>100NX® (Standard, Flex,<br>Express and Duo cycles)<br>systems.<br>* Reference Device is 3MTM<br>AttestTM Auto-reader 490H<br>Only. |
| Organism | <i>Geobacillus stearothermophilus</i><br>traceable to ATCCTM<br>7953 | Identical | N/A- Reference Device is<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-reader<br>490H Only |
| Viable spore<br>population | ≥ 1 x 106 | Identical | N/A- Reference Device is<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-reader<br>490H Only |
| Resistance<br>characteristics | | Identical | N/A- Reference Device is<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-reader<br>490H Only |
| • D-value<br>• Survival/Kill<br>Window | | | |
| | D-value ≥ 10 seconds at<br>132°C<br>D-value ≥ 8 seconds at<br>135°C<br>Survival Time =<br>Calculated survival time*<br>or 1 minute at 132°C and<br>40 seconds at 135°C,<br>whichever is longer | | |
| Feature | Submission Device:<br>3MTM AttestTM<br>Super Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator<br>1492V and<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-<br>reader 490 and 490H | Predicate Device<br>(K121484): | Reference Device<br>(K171003):<br>3MTM AttestTM<br>Auto-reader 490H |
| | Kill Time = Calculated<br>kill time* at 132°C and at<br>135°C | | |
| Carrier material | polypropylene | Identical | N/A- Reference Device is<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-reader<br>490H Only |
| Incubation<br>temperature | 60 ± 2°C | 56 ± 2°C | 60 ± 2°C |
| Readout time | 24 minute final<br>fluorescent result in both<br>the 490 and 490H Auto-<br>readers having software<br>version 4.0.0 or greater.<br>1 hour final fluorescent<br>result in 490 Auto-readers<br>having software versions<br>less than 4.0.0.<br>Optional visual pH color<br>change result in 48 hours | 1 hour final fluorescent<br>result in 490 Auto-<br>readers.<br>Identical | 24 minute fluorescence result<br>of 3MTM AttestTM 1295 BI read<br>in the 3MTM AttestTM Auto-<br>reader 490H. |
| Chemical indicator | Turns from pink to light<br>brown or darker upon<br>steam exposure | Identical | N/A- Reference Device is<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-reader<br>490H Only |
| Shelf-life | 21 months | Identical | N/A- Reference Device is<br>3MTM AttestTM Auto-reader<br>490H Only |
| Design Function | Submission Device: | Reference Device: | Predicate Device |
| or | 3MTM AttestTM | (K171003) 3MTM AttestTM | (K121484): 3MTM AttestTM |
| Characteristic | Auto-reader 490 | Auto-reader 490H | Auto-reader 490 |
| Statement of<br>Intended Use | The 3MTM AttestTM 490<br>Auto-reader is designed to<br>incubate and automatically<br>read the 3MTM AttestTM<br>Super Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator 1492V<br>at 60°C for a final<br>fluorescent result at 24<br>minutes. | The 3MTM AttestTM 490H<br>Auto-reader is designed to<br>incubate and automatically<br>read the 3MTM AttestTM<br>Rapid Readout Biological<br>Indicator 1295 at 60°C for a<br>final fluorescent result at 24<br>minutes. | The 3MTM AttestTM 490<br>Auto-reader is designed to<br>incubate and automatically<br>read the 3MTM AttestTM<br>Super Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator 1492V at<br>56°C for a final fluorescent<br>result at 1 hour. |
| Incubation<br>temperature | 60 ± 2°C | Identical to Submission<br>Device | 56 ± 2°C |
| Rapid Readout<br>Capability | Yes | Identical | Identical |
| Basis of Rapid<br>Readout | Fluorescence of biological<br>medium | Identical | Identical |
| Use with<br>Biological<br>Indicators | 3MTM AttestTM Super<br>Rapid Readout Biological<br>Indicator 1492V. | 3MTM AttestTM Rapid<br>Readout Biological Indicator<br>1295. | Identical to Submission<br>Device |
| Method of<br>Fluorescence<br>Detection | UV LED, optical filters,<br>with sensing by photo<br>diode | Identical | Identical |
| Identification of<br>(+) Result | Fluorescence measurement<br>and 24 minute readout<br>algorithm | Fluorescence measurement<br>and 24 minute readout<br>algorithm | Fluorescence measurement<br>and 1 hour readout algorithm |
| Visual Indicator<br>of Adequate<br>Sterilization<br>Cycle | (-) on LCD Display | Identical | Identical |
| Visual Indicator<br>of Possible<br>Sterilization<br>Cycle Failure | (+) on LCD Display | Identical | Identical |
| Audible<br>Indicator of<br>Possible<br>Sterilization<br>Cycle Failure | Audible Alarm | Identical | Identical |
| Number of<br>Incubation Wells | 10 incubation wells/reader | Identical | Identical |
| Voltage Range | 100-240 Volts AC (12 Volt<br>DC conversion for internal<br>circuitry) | Identical | Identical |
| Calibration | No calibration.<br>Fluorescent baseline<br>measured independently<br>for each BI placed in well. | Identical | Identical |
| Design Function<br>or | Submission Device:<br>3MTM Attest™<br>Auto-reader 490 | Reference Device:<br>(K171003) 3MTM Attest™<br>Auto-reader 490H | Predicate Device<br>(K121484): 3MTM Attest™<br>Auto-reader 490 |
| Characteristic | | | |
| | Software monitors<br>incubation duration | Identical | Identical |
| | Software performs reading<br>of BI | Identical | Identical |
| System<br>Operation | Software allows user to<br>view status remotely via<br>Ethernet | Identical | Identical |
| | Software allows 100 most<br>recent results to be stored<br>electronically in the reader | Identical | Identical |
| Product Safety | UL/IEC 61010-1 | Identical | Identical |
| EMC<br>Compliance | FCC Part 15, Subpart B,<br>Class A | Identical | Identical |
| Preventative<br>Maintenance | None…
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.